VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 20, 2008) - If elected, how will the two leading mayoral candidates in Vancouver's upcoming civic election - Peter Ladner and Gregor Robertson deal with these issues?

That will be the focus of a free public debate between the two candidates at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church (Burrard and Nelson, Vancouver) this coming Wednesday night, October 22nd, 2008. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; debate begins at 7 p.m.

The moderator will be Ric Matthews, Minister of First United Church Mission on Vancouver's downtown eastside. First United has a long tradition of serving those who suffer from homelessness, addictions and mental illness.

The panelists asking the tough questions include; Frances Bula, a city columnist and a contributing editor with Vancouver Magazine; Monte Paulsen, investigative editor for The Tyee and a regular contributor to Vancouver's 24 Hours; and Dr. Nancy Hall: a healthcare consultant and B.C.'s former Mental Health Advocate.